FASCINATION NEW ZEALAND-SUPERIOR-CHCH-AUK Great days

There aren't many places on this planet where travellers are so well catered for – in terms of both man-made enticements and splendours of the natural realm. Bigger than the UK, with one-fourteenth the population, and filling in the gaps are sublime forests, mountains, lakes, beaches and fiords that have made NZ one of the best hiking (locals call it 'tramping') destinations on Earth. It’s renowned worldwide for having a relaxed, friendly, spacious and outdoor adventure lifestyle (think sport, walks, BBQs, and beaches). When you combine this adventurous outlook with a stunning backdrop you start to see why travellers rate New Zealand as the action/adventure/adrenalin capital of the world! New Zealand’s people (known as “Kiwis”) are well known for their welcoming and accepting nature

From 1st October 2019 international visitors and transit passengers must have an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travelling to New Zealand. Registrations are open from 1st July 2019. The issued entry permit applies to any number of entries within 2 years. You can use the ETA within this period for a max. of 90 days per entry.

Immigration NZ recommends to submit the application at least 72 hours before your departure.

ETA fees: $ NZ 23, - if you apply online, or $ NZ 17, - if you apply via the mobile app. When applying for the ETA, an additional tourist tax, currently $ NZ 35, will be charged.

(Please also see the website of the New Zealand Immigration Service: immigration.govt.nz/nzeta)

Currency

New Zealand's unit of currency is the dollar (NZ$). All major credit cards can be used in New Zealand, with Visa and MasterCard accepted most widely, followed by American Express and Diners Club.

Banking

New Zealand banks are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Some are also during weekends. .

Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are widely available at banks, along main shopping streets and in malls.

International credit cards and ATM cards will work as long as they have a four-digit PIN encoded. Check with your bank before leaving home.

With so many things to do and spectacular places to see, choosing how you travel around New Zealand is as important as choosing where you want to go.

Your choice of transport will depend on how quickly you want to get from A to B. Plane, train, bus, boat, car or caravan – you could even cycle if you’re feeling adventurous. In most cases getting there is all part of the fun so hire a motor home to see the sights at your own pace, or jump on a train for a scenic tour through remote areas often inaccessible by road.

For travel between New Zealand's islands, hop on a plane or ferry. Daily flights are available between domestic airports. Several passenger and vehicle ferries offer services between the North, South and other islands.

The cuisine in New Zealand is very seasonal and relies heavily on local produce. As the islands are very agricultural there is a wide variety of fresh foods always available. The influences are largely British although there are Asian influences creeping in and takeaways are becoming more popular.

New Zealand is an island nation with its waters containing a large variety of fish and seafood. Despite this, until recently shellfish hasn't played an important part in the diet of New Zealanders. The consumption of fish has traditionally been low as meat has been the main preference for meals. Having said this, fish and seafood has always been significant in the Maori diet and you will notice that the names of many of them are still used today in Maori.

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 10-20°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 20-30°C 
Average lows: 10-15°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 10-15°C 
Average lows: 0-10°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is warm and outdoor activities are in full swing. 

New Zealand is typically an informal place so pack casually for comfort.

Famous for having four seasons in one day; our advice if you are traveling even in the summer is to pack a light jacket or pashmina shawl just in case the weather turns cooler or if you're visiting higher altitudes. You can also expect some rain, so include a light raincoat.

Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and night-spots.

New Zealand is renowned for its outdoor activities, so make sure you take swimming gear, hiking shoes, trekking pants/shorts, sunhat and sunglasses, as well as plenty of sunscreen

If you plan to do much walking then lightweight walking shoes or sneakers are fine.

New Zealand's electricity supply runs at 230/240 volts, and we use angled two or three pin plugs (the same as Australia). Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt ac sockets (rated at 20 watts) for electricrazors only.